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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should cultural appropriation be considered a m of racism?

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Topic: "Should cultural appropriation be considered a form of racism?"

Model Answer:
In today's globalized world, cultural exchange and sharing have become increasingly common. However, the concept of cultural appropriation has raised concerns about whether it is inherently racist or not. This essay will explore the reasons behind these accusations, as well as potential counterarguments, in order to determine if cultural appropriation should indeed be considered a form of racism.

On one hand, some argue that cultural appropriation is a form of racism because it involves the unauthorized borrowing or imitation of elements from a marginalized culture by members of a dominant culture. This act can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce negative images associated with the minority group. For example, wearing traditional Native American headdresses at parties or music festivals has been criticized as being disrespectful to Indigenous peoples, as it trivializes their cultural symbols. Moreover, cultural appropriation can lead to financial exploitation when dominant groups profit from the unique products of marginalized cultures without giving due credit or compensation.

On the other hand, opponents of this viewpoint contend that cultural exchange is an essential aspect of human progress and should not be stigmatized. They argue that learning about and appreciating different cultures can lead to mutual understanding and respect. For instance, the adoption of sushi by people from various countries has helped popularize Japanese cuisine worldwide. In this sense, cultural appropriation may not necessarily be a form of racism if it is carried out with sensitivity, appreciation, and respect for the culture in question.

In conclusion, while it is true that cultural appropriation can sometimes result in racism by perpetuating stereotypes or reinforcing negative images, it is important to distinguish between genuine appreciation and disrespectful imitation. Cultural exchange has the potential to foster understanding and mutual respect; however, it is crucial to approach such interactions with sensitivity and respect for the culture being explored.

Score: Task Response - 9, Coherence and Cohesion - 9, Lexical Resource - 8, Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

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